In this edition of the Hubcap: Vera's View, It Happened Last Meeting, Zoom Video Recording, Club Announcements and News
Thursday at the Rotary Club of Arlington, Texas:
Letatia Teykl
Levitt Pavilion
Summer 2025 Season
Vera's View
Honoring mothers is an annual tradition in the month of May. Just a few days ago restaurants were filled with families engaged in honoring the influential women in their lives. Gifts and laughter were exchanged along with flowers and a special gift for mom.
Places of dining wasn’t the scene for everyone on Mother’s Day. For some, this day is a time to visit the cemetery, mausoleum, or columbarium to pay respect for a mother who is no longer living on earth. One thing both celebrations have in common is the giving of flowers. Many people refresh flowers for the burial site on Mother’s Day. I learned from a friend this past Sunday that the selling of flowers at the entry to these sites has become a business of service to visiting families.
Thinking on mothers this week led me to the thought of Rotary mothers. We have many women in Rotary that have helped to not only make Rotary a leading service organization but have influenced the lives of many in their local club, while still carrying on with family obligations. As an act of service this week, please write a note of appreciation to a “mother” in our club that has helped or influenced you to become a better Rotarian!
It Happened Last Thursday
by Carey F. Walker
The weekly meeting was called to order at 12:00 pm by President Vera McKissic. Barry Bondurant offered the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone sang a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America”. Visiting guests and Rotarians were introduced by our greeter, Jock Bethune. President Vera reminded us to report volunteer hours and to sign up to lead the prayer and pledge and to be a greeter.
The following announcements were made:
Jill Regina was seeking volunteers to make presentations at AISD schools.
Tommy Thompson announced that medals would be awarded to Webb Elementary graduates on May 19, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Derrick Kinney is requesting that we provide Arlington Life Shelter with paper products, such as paper plates, napkins, plastic ware, and other necessary items. Please make plans to bring these items to our next meeting.
Susie McAlister announced Dream Fest 2025, a 3-day festival filled with amazing music, delicious food and fun for the whole family. The event is May 23, 24, and 25.
Leslie Eades made the transition from her red badge to a blue badge. We all need to congratulate Leslie.
Donna Mack led us in the singing of “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”. The music and lyrics to this song were written by Mr. Fred M. Rogers.
Sally Hopper announced Rotarians with anniversaries and birthdays. Celebrating birthdays were Joy Nunn, Diego Pena, Laurie Bianco, Andy McFarlane, and Michael Jacobson. Celebrating anniversaries are Jill Regina. Sally received a birthday check from Andy McFarlane.
Randy Hendricks announced the program for today. The program was presented by Rick Barnes, Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Tax Collector. Mr. Barnes is a long-time resident of Tarrant County, a 5th generation Texan, a devoted family man, and a successful business owner. Rick is a graduate of Texas Tech and holds a master’s degree from TCU. Rick serves as a voting member of TAD’s Board of Directors where he was elected Chairman of the Board in January 2025. Rick has been married to Sheila Barnes for 36 years and they attend White’s Chapel Methodist Church.
The Tarrant County Tax Office ranks third in Texas in the number of vehicle titles and registrations and has the highest number of property tax accounts in the state. The Tarrant County tax office has over 200 employees working in various departments within the agency. The property tax team employs 37, the motor vehicle division employs 156, the executive team has 4 employees, of which Andy Nguyen serves as chief of staff. the communications department employs 3, the accounting department has 7 employees and quality assurance employs 6. The tax office operates with a budget of $18.5 million.
The total property tax revenue collected on an annual basis by the tax office is more than $6 billion. This money comes from 87 taxing entities in Tarrant County. The taxing entities set the tax rates, typically by a school board, a city council, a community college board or a hospital district. The tax office has no control over the tax rates. Motor vehicle collections are approximately $2 million daily. Rick informed us that if we have a problem with the tax rate, contact those responsible for setting the rates.
The tax office’s vision is they are a professional team of positive and dedicated individuals who serve with integrity, tenacity, and compassion in an innovative and inclusive environment. The office is dedicated to excellent customer service and can be reached by phone, email, online chat or face to face. You can also get tax information on-line.
Vera presented a book to be placed in the Webb Elementary Library in honor of Mr. Barnes. The last laugh was provided by Tom Ware. Next week’s program will be Letatia Teykl, Executive Director of Levitt Pavilion.
The quote for this week: “There is one difference between a tax collector and a taxidermist-the taxidermist leaves the hide”. – Mortimer Maxwell Caplin
Vera thanked the special guests and everyone else for coming. She then led us in the Four Way Test, and we were adjourned.
Miss last week's meeting? Click HERE to view the Zoom recording in a web browser Dc^o878v
Photos by Clete McAlister & Jock Bethune
President Vera McKissic Opens Our Meeting
Peter Scott
Andy Nguyen, Chief of Staff
Ryan Elliot
Jill Regina, Graduation Speeches
Clete McAlister
Derrick Kinney, Stock The Shelter
Susie McAlister, Levitt Pavilion Events
Tommy Thompson, Webb Elementary Awards
Leslie Eades Receives Her Blue Badge With Shirley Cox, Sponsor, and Deborah Coppolla, Mentor
Donna Mack, "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood"
Sally Hopper, Anniversaries and Birthdays
Randy Hendricks, Speaker Introduction
Rick Barnes, Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector
Tom Ware, Last Laugh
Assessor-Collector Barnes, Staff Development and Communications Manager Vickie Doane, Chief of Staff Andy Nguyen
"The very great drawback of recorded sound is the fact that it is always the same."
